What car seat safety instructions are essential before leaving the hospital?

• A. Rear-facing in the back seat, harness snug at shoulder level, chest clip at armpit level
• B. Front-facing seat with loose harness
• C. Chest clip at waist level
• D. Car seats are optional if the parent is careful

Answer: (A)

Proper car seat use for a newborn before leaving the hospital centers on secure, rear-facing placement in the back seat with a snug harness and correctly positioned chest clip. Putting the infant rear-facing protects the head, neck, and spine by distributing crash forces along the back. The harness must be snug enough that you can’t pinch any slack at the chest, keeping the straps securely across the shoulders and torso. The chest clip should be at armpit level to hold the harness straps in place over the chest and prevent the straps from slipping off the shoulders. Front-facing seats with a loose harness and chest clips at the waist are unsafe, and car seats aren’t optional—every trip requires a properly installed, correctly strapped car seat.